The 27-year-old musician was 19 when he was diagnosed with stage-four kidney failure. After a year on dialysis, MacIntyre received a kidney from the wife of his former music teacher. Soon after his recovery, he was finding fame on "Idol."

"She not only gave me the gift of life, she gave me the gift of hope," he says, "and now I get to travel around and spread that message of hope to people everywhere."

MacIntyre is now a spokesperson for Donate Life America, and in addition to his concerts and speaking engagements, he's shared his story in his new book, "By Faith, Not By Sight." The book was published by the Nashville-based Thomas Nelson - one of several Music City ties that spurred MacIntyre and his wife to move from their native Arizona to Franklin, Tenn., earlier this year. He says they're "loving it so far."

"We're slowly getting settled. I really enjoyed being part of the creative community here over the last few years. I've worked with a lot of great people here, and I'm excited to be closer to them."